This morning we hear from all three finalists in the 2024 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, including a historic first appearance by a steelpan soloist. Chloe Nam, Elyse Schlesinger and winner Jaden Teague-Núñez are joined by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and conductor Kyle Dickson.
Finalist: Chloe Nam, 15, flute
Chloe Nam is a sophomore at Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago. Under the expert guidance of Hideko Amano, Chloe developed a deep passion for flute performance. Since eighth grade, she has been a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, where she currently plays flute and piccolo in the flagship top orchestra. Before then, she studied at Merit School of Music for three years.
She has been recognized in various music competitions such as the Chicago Flute Club Student Competition, DePaul National Concerto Festival, Society of American Musicians Competition, CYSO Concert Orchestra Concerto Competition and Walgreens Concerto Competition. Chloe also participated in the Illinois Music Education Conference All-State Band in 2023. Chloe has had the privilege of performing in masterclasses or had lessons with Jennifer Gunn, Nancy Stagnitta and Johanthan Keeble.
Onstage at Symphony Center (L-R): Robbie Ellis, Fernando Meza, Kyle Dickson, Chloe Nam, Jaden Teague-Núñez, Elyse Schlesinger, William Ward, Margaret Tung, Daniel Gilbert. (Photo: Todd Rosenberg)
First Alternate: Elyse Schlesinger, 16, horn
Elyse Schlesinger started horn in fifth grade and developed a lasting passion for music and the collaborative creativity of ensembles. She is a member of the top band, chorus and orchestra at William Fremd High School in Palatine, and she served as Principal Horn of the Barrington Youth Symphony.
She has attended many music camps and festivals, including the ILMEA All-State Honors Band and All-State Honors Orchestra. She has been Co-Principal Horn of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ flagship orchestra since 2022, as well as a member of CYSO’s top woodwind quintet, Windy City Winds, and is in the Ambassadors Program performing around the Chicagoland community.
Elyse began her horn lessons with Melody Velleuer, and has worked with Katelyn Halbert, Brent Shires, and Momo Hasselbring Seko. She currently studies with CSO horn David Griffin and Kate Warren.
Winner: Jaden Teague-Núñez, 16, steelpan
Jaden Teague-Núñez was born in Panama City, Panama. He moved to the USA in 2011 and began studying steelpan and piano (classical and jazz) at age 8 and 10, respectively. He attends DeKalb High School where he serves as the drummer for the Jazz Ensemble and Steelband and is a member of the Marching Band.
Among his growing list of accomplishments, Jaden has been a guest steelpan soloist with the Humboldt State University Steelband in Arcata, California, and performed with the Northern Illinois University Steelband. He has performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, and on several occasions has appeared at the ILMEA Conference.
Jaden studies steelpan with his father, Liam Teague; piano with Austyn Menk; and drum set with Joshua Bedeau. As the winner of the 2024 Crain-Maling Foundation Young Artists Competition, he has been offered a live solo recital on Introductions at a later date.